
Can playing video games benefit kids with ADHD?

EndeavorRx
EndeavorRx is the first video game designed for ADHD treatment approved by the FDA.
Designed for children aged 8-12, it targets areas of the brain focusing on attention and its function of behavior.
Addressing Functional Behaviors
Attention
EndeavorRx uses sensory stimuli and motor challenges to target areas of the brain that plays a key role in attention function.
Multitasking
Kids are challenged to multitask and ignore distractions by navigating courses, collecting targets, and avoiding obstacles.
Frustration Tolerance
Children with low frustration tolerance may grow frustrated at seemingly minor, everyday inconveniences
Interference Processing
Similar memories compete, causing some to be more difficult to remember or even forgotten entirely.
Treatment Recommendations
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EndeavorRx is typically played for 25 minutes, 5 days a week, for at least 4 consecutive weeks, or as prescribed.
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It is used in conjunction with therapeutic programs that may include therapy, medication, and/or educational support.
Video Game Design Strategies for Supporting ADHD
Selective Stimulus Management Engine (SSME™)
● delivers specific sensory stimuli and simultaneous motor challenges designed to target neural systems involved in attentional control (i.e., frontoparietal areas of the brain)
● adaptive closed-loop algorithms constantly adjust the difficulty and personalize the treatment experience for each individual
● studied in 30+ clinical trials
Body Brain Trainer (BBT™)
● integrates cognitive and physical training within a single interactive environment through a motion capture video
game designed to target neural systems involved in attention, impulsivity, working memory, and goal management
(fronto-parieto-cerebellar areas of the brain)
● adaptive closed-loop algorithms drive individuals to work
at their ideal target heart rate and cognitive challenge
Spatial Navigation (SNAV™) Engine
● leverages temporal, object, and scene integration
designed to target neural systems involved in spatial navigation, memory, and planning and organization (extended hippocampal system in the brain)
EndeavorRx was reviewed through FDA’s de novo pathway and its clearance creates a new class of digital therapeutics. EndeavorRx is designed to directly target and activate neural systems through the presentation of sensory stimuli and motor challenges to improve cognitive functioning.
“We’re proud to make history today with FDA’s decision", said Eddie Martucci, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Akili. “With EndeavorRx, we’re using technology to help treat a condition in an entirely new way as we directly target neurological function through medicine that feels like entertainment. Families are looking for new ways to help their children with ADHD. With today’s decision by FDA, we’re excited to offer families a first-of-its-kind non-drug treatment option and take an important first step toward our goal to help all people living with cognitive issues.”
Characteristics of a Video Game Designed for ADHD Support

Interpreting the Data
73%
of children who received EndeavorRx reported that it improved their attention.
January 6, 2023
“The results of this study extend the already substantial evidence base to support the efficacy of EndeavorRx for improving attentional functioning in patients with ADHD, and most importantly show the ability of this safe treatment to help teenagers, who have been significantly impacted by the current mental health crisis,” said Scott Kollins, Ph.D., chief medical officer of Akili.